And You Became My Favorite Track

Chapter 6

Crossroads on the First Day

Oh, this is how it starts, lightning strikes the heart
It goes off like a gun, brighter than the sun
- Brighter than the Sun, Colbie Caillat

"Rylle anak, dalian mo diyan, malelate ka na" mom's voice transcending..

The morning sun shone through the curtains, the morning breeze mixed with the remaining cool air inside my room as I stood in front of the mirror, adjusting the lemon yellow shirt I pulled out from the drawers. Lined by thin white stripes giving a neat, fresh look. My cream-colored short shorts were accurately pressed followed by my white sneakers.

I wanted to look good—not flashy, but put-together. Suot ko rin siyempre ang paborito kong string bag.

I made sure to spray my favorite scent—a gentle mist of Sweet Pea Bliss wrapped me, filling the air with its soft, floral fragrance. The delicate combination of sweetness and freshness trailed behind me in every move. It wasn't tough nor overpowering.  It just felt  like a silent hug wrapping me and my senses.

It gave me a small inch of confidence, even though I knew it wouldn't be enough to settle the nerves twisting in my tummy. It was comforting, familiar, like a small piece of home I could carry with me.

For all I know, wala rin kaming gagawin ngayong first day of school. Orientation pa lang naman ito, 'yun ang sabi sa announcement from the school's facebook page.

Turning back against the mirror standing before me, with curiosity and a bit of excitement, I headed out, my stomach already a knot of nerves.

"You look so good anak, come, kain ka na muna" mom said

"No, thanks, I'm late" i replied.

"But.. magugutom ka sa daan niyan, wait, I'll make you a sandwich". aniya

Napakalaking adjustment talaga nito para sa akin. Kung sa Vigan ay nagigising akong maaga para magbukas ng pwesto, dito sa Manila naman ay kailangan kong magising ng maaga para pumasok because school is starting.

Nakakapanibago sa pakiramdam. It is really happening.

Ngayon nalang ako muling papasok after 2 years of staying at home dahil sa lockdown. Hindi ko naexperience maging grade 11 attending to school physically and now, bigla bigla akong sasalang sa face to face.

New school, new places, new faces.. everything is new.

8 am ang opening ng program and 7:15 na, I'll be late if kakain pa ako, idagdag pa natin na traffic parati dito sa Makati.

Sa aking pagmamadali, hindi na nga ako nag-almusal, dinala ko nalang ang sandwich na pinabaon ni Mom.

Walking away from the vicinity of our condo, nakasakay ako kaagad sa taxi.
Hmm, medyo sinuwerte ako this time.

The road fully packed. Vehicles crawling at a turtle's pace, horns blaring as impatient drivers fight for space on the streets.

I look at the time on my phone. Tama nga ako, first day, and I'm going to be late.

I tap my fingers anxiously against the window, watching the chaos outside—a symphony of rushing pedestrians, people shouting, and jeepneys weaving through tight spaces.

My ears seeking for peace, i pulled out my airpods to play a song.

Pagkarating ko sa tapat ng mga nagtataasang gusali ng St. Morgan Academy, the sight of the grand gates and structures momentarily stole my breath.

People were coming in, some confidently walking in groups, others are like me—navigating through the sea of unfamiliar faces all alone.

Loud music reverberating around the campus, filling in every space at each corner.